Covid-19 Daily Dashboard – 17 July 2020

An overview of key economic and financial metrics.
Written By:
William Matthews, Knight Frank
2 minutes to read
Categories: Covid-19

Download an overview of key economic and financial metrics relating to Covid-19 on 17 July 2020.

 

Equities: In Europe, the STOXX 600 is up +0.2%, while the DAX (+0.4%) and the FTSE 250 (+0.1%) have also increased over the morning. In the US, futures for the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average are up +0.4% and +0.3%. In Asia, stocks were mostly up on close, including the Kospi, which was +0.8% higher. Increases were also seen by the CSI 300 (+0.6%), Hang Seng (+0.5%) and the S&P / ASX 200 (+0.4%).


VIX: The CBOE market volatility index and the Euro Stoxx 50 volatility price index are at 27.7 and 26.2 respectively. Both indices remain above their long term averages, indicating further expectations of near-term volatility.


Bonds: The UK 10-year gilt yield, US 10-year treasury yield and German 10-year bund yield are currently 0.15%, 0.60% and -0.47%.


Currency: Both sterling and the euro have remained flat at $1.25 and $1.14. Hedging benefits for US dollar denominated investors into the UK and the eurozone are 0.33% and 1.09% per annum on a five-year basis.


Baltic Dry: The Baltic Dry index increased for the first time in 9 sessions yesterday, up +0.2% to 1,699.


Oil: Brent Crude and the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) are both down -0.6% over the morning to $43.09 per barrel and $40.50 per barrel, respectively.


England Lockdown: The Prime Minister (PM) has announced a conditional further easing framework running through to November, with all of the milestones being subject to COVID-19 outcomes. From today, anyone can use public transport, albeit should consider alternative methods of travel. From 1st August, employers will be able to determine appropriate COVID-19 secure working practices. Indoor performances will also be allowed, subject to a successful pilot scheme. Indoor bowling, skating rinks, casinos and close contact beautician services can also resume in August. By October, audiences will be permitted in stadia and conferences will be able to resume, again subject to successful pilots. Nightclubs and soft play areas are to remain closed for now.


US Unemployment: There were 1.30 million new unemployment applications in the week to 11th July, stable compared to the number of new applications the week prior, but above expectations of 1.25 million.